Theresa May spoke to the Queen on the telephone before making snap general election announcement
PRIME Minister Theresa May spoke to the Queen by telephone yesterday before announcing a snap general election.
May stunned Westminster this morning when she called the election on June 8 in a Downing Street statement.
Despite her previous repeated denials she would call a snap ballot she said her mind had been changed in recent days.
Her official spokesman confirmed the call was made to Her Majesty by phone yesterday.
She told the Queen she wanted to hold an election on June 8.
MOST READ IN NEWS
It has not been made clear what the monarch's reaction to the news is, but political leaders have welcomed the announcement.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “I welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first.”
Commenting on the Prime Minister’s call for a General Election, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: “This election is your chance to change the direction of our country.
“If you want to avoid a disastrous Hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the Single Market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance.
“Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority.”
And former PM David Cameron tweeted in support of the decision, writing: “Brave – and right – decision by PM @Theresa_May. My very best wishes to all Conservative candidates. @Conservatives.”
What happens next?
When will the snap General Election take place? Parliament will be asked to vote tomorrow to hold an Election, with Theresa May needing the support of two-thirds of MPs in the House of Commons. If the vote passes in favour of a snap General Election then it will be held on June 8. Why has an election been called? Speaking at her conference today, Theresa May blasted rival parties for trying to derail the Government's Brexit plans. She said the Election was a chance to show unity, adding: “The country is coming together, but Westminster is not.” What are the polls saying? The latest opinion poll from YouGov has the Conservatives on 44 per cent, 21 points ahead of Labour on 23 per cent, with the Lib Dems on 12 per cent and Ukip on ten per cent. Mr Corbyn has insisted Labour is ready for an election. Half of voters believe Mrs May is the best pick for Prime Minister, against just 15 per cent who said Mr Corbyn, according to the poll.